Humanity has had a symbiotic relationship with plants and herbs since the beginning of time. Healing with medicinal plants is as old as humanity itself. Since ancient times, herbal medicine has been used by many different cultures throughout the world to treat dis-ease and to assist bodily functions. An “herb” is any plant or plant part used for its medicinal therapeutic value. Herbal medicine, also called herbology, herbalism, botanical medicine, or phytomedicine, refers to

Since I was five years of age, I have enjoyed digging in the dirt and connecting with the earth. Growing up, my mother had vibrant gardens of roses and other beautiful flowers like the lily of the valley. Since age sixteen, my interest has been around planting and using herbs and things I could eat, infuse, drink as tea or distill as hydrosols and essential oils, and make other healing products. Currently, we have a fabulous high-altitude garden in Crestone, Colorado. It take

If you are still in the midst of planting your summer garden or have some outdoor potted plants, consider adding some known pollinators. Why is Pollination Important? Virtually all the world’s seed plants need to be pollinated. This is just as true for cone-bearing plants, such as pine trees, as for the more colorful and familiar flowering plants. Pollen, looking like insignificant yellow dust, bears a plant’s male sex cells and is a vital link in the reproductive cycle. Poll

Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) is a native wildflower found along waterways in northern California, southern Oregon, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is mainly grown in Oregon. This plant grows to a height of 10 to 18 inches and produces soft, beautiful white flowers that resemble ocean foam when in bloom. Meadowfoam seed oil is derived from the seeds of commercial meadowfoam fields in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It is a non-fragrant, edible plant oil developed initial

The citrus essential oils offer such a beautiful cleansing effect. They are excellent anti-bacterial and also provide emotional uplifting. This is one of my favorite room and bathroom spritzers to enhance and cleanse the environment. Citrus Refreshing Room Spritzer In a 2oz. glass bottle, with a spray top, then add the following ingredients: 1 teaspoon jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) or Solubol. Add the essential oils and shake well: 6 drops orange (Citrus sinensis) 5 drops ber